The library sought its bids for better and more efficent lighting. We were expecting a bid of $34,000.00. which would have required the City of pay $9,000.00(we had a $25,000.00 grant). We received a bid of approximately $24,000.00. Yeah, free lights.Larry Cullen and Donald Erce were appointed to the Police Pension Board.North Berwyn Park District will be using the City's Maple Pool for a haunted house.The diagonal parking at 6701 21st Street was denied. I had initially been opposed to this project, but more trees were added and it became a no-brainer to help spur condo conversion. Unfortunately, this item was hotly contested, discussed, etc. and I believe we are not thinking for the future.Buona Beef was discussed and will be on the agenda for TIF funds on September 27.The person who sold the bank building to Applebee's will get a four percent commission from the City.Alderman Phelan has a proposal, which was deferred, that would allow houses on empty 25 foot lots, as opposed to getting a variance. An incredible conflict from a real estate and builder to propose this. I have discussed this with the Alderman, but he says no conflict. I am sure others think differently.We will also be leasing 2 vans for Seniors, with the added benefit that the City can use the vans outside of normal bus hours. After five years, the City will pay a dollar and own the vans.A lot of stop signs were approved across the City.The winter holiday proposal to ban decorations after a certain amount of time after the holidays was deferred.We have major computer questions and the IT person wants to renew certain service contracts. We need a plan in place to start replacing computers, servers, etc.

Stay tuned. Remember, if you want to be a neighborhood watch captain, contact me or the police department.MarkWeiner1@Hotmail.Com

The first thing discussed was having more coin operated machines at taverns, etc., such as the video poker or trivia. Also, allow two billiard tables. By having more, the City would get more money. I am against more video machines. Places were busted two or three years ago for illegal gambling because of these machines. I am in the minority.We also discussed entertainment licenses for liquor establishments. We need definitions of various forms of entertainment, i.e., is karaoke a form of entertainment?I will now be voting for the diagonal parking at 6701 W. 21st. Yes, more concrete. However, the developer will be planting six new trees, now, rather than three. The north side needs development and by converting an apartment building to condos, that is a big plus for Berwyn. If this building takes off, more owners would be willing to convert.As for Buona Beef, we have to keep good businesses in Berwyn. I have no problem giving it TIF money; just not for the roof.Redevelopment agreements are being finalized for the Roosevelt/East condo project, Applebees and the 3rd Ward condo/retail project at Stanley/Oak Park. Once these are signed, construction begins. Hurry, hurry.Although people have been allowed to speak at City Council meetings under the new administration, there will now be guidelines so there will be a little more rigidity to the process. Bottom line, people will be able to talk about anything; whether it is on the agenda or not. This is a big change. Previously, if something was on the agenda, a citizen could not broach that subject.The Aldermen are being treated to a TIF Seminar before the September 13, 2005 meeting. Again, this is a good thing. Many do not understand the whole TIF process.

As always, if you want to get this update as it goes to the printing press, email me with your email at MarkWeiner1@Hotmail.Com and I will add you.